Michael Des Barres, English singer-songwriter and actor

Introducing Michael Des Barres: An English Aristocrat of Stage and Sound

Michael Philip Des Barres, born on January 24, 1948, carries the distinguished title of the 26th Marquis Des Barres. This eminent English personality has carved out a unique and enduring legacy across two distinct yet interconnected realms of entertainment: as a versatile actor known for impactful roles and as a dynamic rock singer who has fronted several notable bands.

An Iconic Villain: Michael Des Barres as Murdoc in MacGyver

Perhaps one of Michael Des Barres' most memorable contributions to television is his recurring portrayal of Murdoc, the enigmatic and psychopathic assassin, in the original 1980s action-adventure series, MacGyver. Appearing in a pivotal nine episodes, Des Barres skillfully embodied Murdoc as MacGyver's theatrical archenemy and master of disguise, known for his elaborate traps and a signature flair for dramatic, often seemingly impossible, escapes. Murdoc's persistent and often personal vendetta against Angus MacGyver made him a fan-favorite antagonist, a character whose cunning and unpredictable nature kept audiences captivated throughout the show's run.

Revisiting the MacGyver Universe: Nicholas Helman in the 2016 Reboot

Demonstrating the lasting cultural impact of his original character, Michael Des Barres returned to the reimagined MacGyver universe in the 2016 reboot series. In this contemporary iteration, he took on the role of Nicholas Helman, a character ingeniously revealed to be Murdoc's mentor. This appearance provided a fascinating layer of backstory and continuity, deepening the lore of the MacGyver world and offering a significant nod to the original series for long-time fans, further cementing Des Barres' iconic status within the franchise.

Rock Royalty: Fronting The Power Station and the Historic Live Aid Concert

Beyond his compelling acting career, Michael Des Barres has left an indelible mark on the landscape of rock music. He gained significant global recognition as the lead vocalist for the critically acclaimed supergroup The Power Station. This pivotal role came about when he famously stepped in to replace the original singer, Robert Palmer, shortly before the band's most high-profile and globally broadcast performance.

Des Barres' most celebrated musical appearance with The Power Station occurred on July 13, 1985, at the monumental Live Aid concert held at the John F. Kennedy Stadium in Philadelphia. Sharing the stage with a formidable lineup including John Taylor and Andy Taylor of Duran Duran, and Tony Thompson of Chic, Des Barres delivered an electrifying performance. His powerful vocals and charismatic stage presence invigorated the crowd as The Power Station performed hits such as "Some Like It Hot" and a compelling rendition of T. Rex's "Get It On (Bang a Gong)." This iconic performance not only showcased his formidable talent but also solidified his standing as a dynamic and captivating rock frontman on one of music's most historic stages.

Frequently Asked Questions About Michael Des Barres

Who is Michael Des Barres?

Michael Philip Des Barres, born on January 24, 1948, is the 26th Marquis Des Barres, an English actor and rock singer renowned for his diverse contributions to both the television and music industries.

What is Michael Des Barres known for in his acting career?

In acting, Michael Des Barres is widely recognized for his recurring role as Murdoc, the psychopathic master of disguise and archenemy, in nine episodes of the original MacGyver television series. He also appeared as Nicholas Helman, Murdoc's mentor, in the 2016 MacGyver reboot.

What is Michael Des Barres known for in his music career?

In music, Des Barres is most notably known for fronting the rock supergroup The Power Station, particularly for replacing Robert Palmer and leading the band during their iconic performance at the Live Aid concert in 1985.

Did Michael Des Barres perform at Live Aid?

Yes, Michael Des Barres famously fronted The Power Station at the Live Aid concert on July 13, 1985, in Philadelphia, delivering a memorable performance alongside band members John Taylor, Andy Taylor, and Tony Thompson.